Testimonials

In previous years, the Future Firm Forum has attracted decision-makers from law firms on both sides of the Tasman. Here are some comments from delegates who have attended in previous years:

“This is hands down the best opportunity to take time out of the day-to-day grind and spend dedicated time on the strategic direction of your practice. If you take the future of your firm seriously then you won’t miss this forum.” - Mason Lockhart, Lockhart Legal, Auckland

" The Forum consistently delivers thought-provoking and forward-thinking sessions that help equip us for the changing profession, in a superb environment, with the right mix of fine food and company to make it great fun too!”- Linda Fox, Director, Carson Fox, Auckland

"The Forum was by far the most interesting and enjoyable legal event I have attended. It refreshed my view of our changing profession and motivated me to continue to explore improvements to the way we provide services."- Joel Cranshaw, Managing Director, Clearpoint Counsel, Melbourne Melbourne

"Somehow Simon manages a Forum that keeps getting better and better year on year. Some great insights for the industry and some helpful tools to help implement change back at the office. As always a pleasure to spend time with such a lively, informed and generously sharing group!" - Lindsey Haagh, Managing Director, AllProcure.

"I have presented and attended many conferences over the years and I was privileged to both present and participate in the 2017 Forum. It was without a doubt up there with the best of them. The intimacy ,the venue, the co-presenters all made this both educational & enjoyable.Simon got the formula right. I would recommend this to any motivated professional involved in law that wants to learn, be challenged & explore new opportunities in a great environment."- John Chisholm, Melbourne

"Simon's Forum was the perfect timing as a valuable precursor to our own strategic planning session, with the internairtonal mix of experiences and knowledge being the stand out feature for me." - Garry Bell, CEO, Preston Russell, Invercargill

“The modern lawyer has a vast array of options available to acquire their CPD points. None will be more enjoyable than this. Great speakers, stunning venue and excellent networking with like-minded individuals. If you get the chance to go, I highly recommend you take it.”- Alistair Marshall, Business Development Manager, FCB, Sydney

"Thought-provoking and stimulating. We raced back and, for the second year, have implemented changes to our way of doing things."​ Mark Sullivan, Partner, Jackson Russell, Auckland

"The Future Firm Forum gathers together a unique mix of experts and practitioners who have taken action along the path to creating the Future Firm. You always leave with a new resolve!" - Bronwyn Pott, Chairman, CPD for Me, Sydney, Australia

"The Forum provided provocative and up to date material that certainly removes complacency for any Law firm leader.- Grant Adams, Partner, Parry Field, Christchurch

"The Forum was a great way to learn from law firm leaders who are actually implementing ideas and processes which we need to introduce to survive and prosper into the medium to long term." - Marcus Rudkin, Partner, Jackson Russell, Auckland​“The Forum exceeded my expectations - there was something for every sized firm and it challenged my thinking and expanded my view of what a healthy law firm should look and feel like. " - Kathryn Lellman, Partner, Ronayne Hollister-Jones, Lellman, Tauranga

"My head is still spinning from all the ideas, advice and passion that was shared by both the presenters and all the delegates. The astonishing beauty of Millbrook and surrounds was met and exceeded by the value we took from the forum. In 15 years of management I can honestly say it is the best forum I have ever attended."-Rachael Denniss, General Manager, Burke and Mead, Newcastle, NSW

"Probably the most enjoyable conference I have attended and the most rewarding." - Richard Hobson, CEO, Mason Sier Turnbull. Melbourne

"Just to say a very big thank you Simon for convening and hosting another great Forum.. Stimulating sessions from all speakers, generating lots of innovative ideas, as well as enjoyable company, nice food and sensational NZ wine, all taking place in a very tranquil post card setting. I'd give it a 10/10 again this year and I'll definitely be aiming to come back next year." - David Sharrock, Sharrock Pitman, Melbourne

"I have attended these sort of things for years with our partners’ retreats and staff continuing education conferences but you really do have something special there Simon ...part of the success is the small group with frank discussion and a range of relevant topics.” - Sam Bassett, Partner, Markhams, Auckland

“Brilliant!! Superb speakers, fantastic group of people who were happy to share their valuable experience. After the year from hell in Christchurch (with the Earthquakes) I came away reinvigorated and with a lot of very helpful ideas and information. Very well organised and run, in a stunning setting. Thank you so much - I will definitely come back next year.” - Trish Greenwood, GM, Malley and Co, Christchurch

"It is difficult to emphasis enough how important the Future Firm Forum is to the legal profession. How can you plan if you don't know where you're going. How can you know where you're going if you don't understand the changing landscape. The Future Firm Forum is an essential "must attend" if you are serious about your future in the legal profession. It will open your eyes!"- Ian Blackman, BlackmanSpargo, Rotorua

"The Future Firm Forum is an unrivalled opportunity for those members of the profession who are seriously committed to maintaining their professional relevance, job satisfaction and profitability, to meet in an intimate setting with like-minded colleagues. A most stimulating and rewarding weekend."​- Richard Burcher, Validatum Limited - Pricing for Professionals

"The Future Firm Forum provided me with a unique insight into the legal space, nationally and internationally, with a heads-up for what we can expect in the future. Hearing first hand from experts presenting to a small select group of people interested in the profession was extremely beneficial. A must attend event for anyone fortunate enough to be invited!"- Alan Hay, NZ Law, Napier

"After 40 years of attending legal seminars it was stimulating at last to be in an intimate environment with a group of committed people, encouraged by informed presenters to focus on the issues critical to the survival of their businesses. Within days of returning to my firm I was implementing significant essential changes where I had previously lacked the confidence to act." - - Dick Crush, Wilkinson Adams, Dunedin

"The Forum provided us with an invaluable opportunity to connect with other law firm leaders, to share experiences and reflect on the future. I would highly commend any law firm partner or manager to attend."- Mitch Zadow, Partner, Sharrock Pitman, Melbourne, VIC

"I really enjoyed the weekend ranging from the useful forum style to the superb company and the dinner topped off with Richard's outstanding (singing) voice - that was such a pleasant surprise."- Chris Moore, Partner, Meredith Connell, Auckland

"The speakers were dynamic and enthusiastic. They gave me a great deal to think about in relation to legal and business practice. I enjoyed the company of the other conference attendees who came from a variety of backgrounds and legal practices."- Miranda Thompson, Lloyd and Lloyd, Sydney

"The best strategic law practice event I have ever attended. The speakers are world-class, and the weekend gave me significant new insights into the future of enjoyable and profitable legal practice which I have been attempting to apply since. My clients have taken to my “changed” approach to the practice of law, and I have never enjoyed my professional life more. The interaction experienced at the Forum will - I guarantee – challenge your views of our profession, and ultimately will assist you to be better at what you do. It is no coincidence that past attendees at the two previous Forums held in New Zealand have between them won multiple NZ Law Awards."- Mark Copeland, MJC Legal Ltd, Rotorua

"The Forum gave an excellent "Future Law Firm" perspective from the varied participation of CEO's, Partners and Consultants which will become a foundation for our next strategic planning session." - Barry Berger, Berger Kordos, Melbourne

"Rewarding on a professional and personal level."- Patrick See, Partner, Lloyd and Lloyd, Sydney

"The most insightful and useful forum I have been to since I have been in the business of law. The forum challenged my paradigm to be more client focused and further motivated me to commit to the operation of our business."- Chris Spargo, Partner, BlackmanSpargo, Rotorua

"I found the whole experience stimulating, thought provoking and enjoyable. The venue, the food and the people were first rate. A very satisfying weekend."- Robert Vincent, Partner, RSM Law, Timaru

"Many thanks for a most rewarding and enjoyable experience. As baby boomers give way to Gen X and Y, clients and technology, compliance and market demands for delivering more value for less cost, this was the ideal forum for all lawyers of the future. Please reserve my seat for next year."Tony Gray, Managing Director, SynergyGray, Brisbane